President Trump delivered the Commencement address at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia this year. This is the institution founded by Jerry Falwell, founder also of the Moral Majority and other organizations in the late 20th century. Falwell epitomized the attempt by evangelicals to influence the direction of Republican Party politics in 1980s and 1990s. In many ways, he also symbolized what became known as the ?Religious Right? in those decades. His son, Jerry Falwell, Jr., is now Liberty University?s president. In introducing President Trump a few weeks ago, the young Falwell called him ?our dream president.?

Moses demonstrates maturity & leadership as he handles the pagan Golden Calf incident; he also shows intimacy in his conversations with God – the same intimacy that each of us can have with the Lord today.

As I have argued in previous editions of Issues in Perspective, one of the major debates occurring within the American political culture and which is also an aspect of international affairs is globalism vs. economic nationalism. The appeal of economic nationalism over globalism explains the electoral victory of Donald Trump and, to some extent, the Brexit phenomenon. But as with so many things, there is a need for balance and clear thinking in this debate.

God gives a picture of the Tabernacle, starting from the inside out (or, from the presence of God to the outside where man is allowed).

In a recent editorial in the New York Times, columnist Nicholas Kristof gave focus to Dr. Willie Parker, who operates an abortion clinic. Parker has written his autobiography, entitled Life?s Work, in which he claims, ?I believe that as an abortion provider, I am doing God?s work. I am protecting women?s rights, their human right to decide their futures for themselves, and to live their lives as they see fit.? Dr. Parker is an African-American Christian and an OB-GYN doctor who practices medicine in the South. Both Parker?s memoir and Kristof?s editorial make two claims: That only recently have evangelical Christians come to oppose abortion and that historically Christianity has not opposed abortion. Are these claims true?

Chapter 24 shares how Moses was called up the mountain, where the glory of the Lord would appear to him; In-depth discussion of the principles, values, & strategies of ancient Israel that are just as important today.

Republicans responded to the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama with a visceral disdain and hatred for these two presidents. American evangelicals joined enthusiastically in such responses. Now Democrats are responding in almost identical ways to Donald Trump. As hardened as American conservatives were toward Clinton and Obama, now the American left is equally as hardened toward Trump.

Exodus 23 concludes the laws given to Moses; The Lord shares His promise of completing the mercy He began, by sending an angel ahead into Canaan.

One of my favorite writers today is David Brooks, and his recent book, The Road to Character, has challenged me in many ways. In a related essay, among the many points Brooks makes is that ?religious frameworks no longer organize public debate . . . We have words and emotional instincts about what feels right and wrong, but no settled criteria to help us think, argue and decide.?

Dr. Eckman leads continued discussion of God’s civil laws, as He sets up a system of justice, restitution, accountability, and equity.